Why We Should be More Vulnerable in 2016

Each year comes with a new set of goals and the remembrance of the one’s you didn’t reach the year prior. Health, finances and relationships are all topics that will trend high on the resolution charts. But while all these goals are valid and important, I believe there is one goal we could all benefit from greatly; It’s to be more vulnerable.

Vulnerability may come off as something you would generally want stay away from, but I believe our photoshopped culture needs it now more than ever. We must learn to take off the mask, drop the facade, and start allowing ourselves to admit we need the support of others.

Pastors who act like they have it all together.

Parents who pretend like their kids are perfect angels.

Entrepreneurs who post pictures of cars and houses they don’t even own.

Christians who don’t let others know when they’re doubting God.

Moms who feel like they cannot admit to others moms when motherhood is darn tough.

Couples who won’t admit that their relationship looks nothing like it does on their Instagram feeds.

We need an increase in vulnerability. We need more people who are willing to admit that they don’t have it all together, that life gets really hard sometimes, and that their faith in God may be in complete turmoil. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we give God and those around us the opportunity to speak into our lives in a way that couldn’t be done while trying to handle life alone.

There is not a single person on this earth who couldn’t benefit from the many life-giving facets that vulnerability brings to the soul, and I believe the first step in experiencing this vulnerability is embracing the glorious reality it’s okay to not be okay. Contrary to societal belief, vulnerability is a wondrous thing. The more vulnerable you are, the more opportunities you’ll have to learn and grow.

“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”―Brené Brown

Admitting your brokenness is one of the bravest things you’ll ever do. Make vulnerability a priority this year. Remember, even Jesus wept in front of others.